iPS 635 

Z9 

IP366 

^ Copy 1 



HISTORICAL DRAMA, 



ENTITLED 



THE Pit and Oui of the Pit 



-BY- 



ABEL PECK. 2/7Z /, 

Newburgh, N. Y., Jan. 1, 1891. 



Entered according to Act of Congress, Jan. IJ^, 1891. 



IN THE PIT 



y 



AND 



^vc>lo3'- , OUT OF THE PIT. 



^\ 



PART 1. 

[Curtain rises showing men in a field and boy feed- 
ing sheep. One of the men turning quickly to the 
boy addresses him grnftly with the words, '' See here, 
boy, we don't want any of your help ; you had better 
run home to your Pa, for you know you are his petted 
sonny, and he may be worried about you w^know^, fear- 
ing you might take a cold or soil that new coat he has 
taken so much pains to iit you up with.] 

(Boy.) Father sent me to help you feed the sheep. 
Can't I stay and help you ? I am not afraid to work. 
Do let me stay and help you. 

{One of the men sTiarply.) I t^ll you to leave. We 
don't want any of your father's pets heraSBoy leaves.) 

{Men hold conversation together.) 

^Lee.) Say, Rube, do you know that the old man is 
making a fool of that pet boy of his ? The idea of 
dressing him up in that fantastic coat, making him as 
proud as Lucifer. If this thing is allowed to go on, he 
will soon be too big for his clothes, and will think he 
muol be lording it over us. I do think the old man 
thinks more of him than all of us put together. I tell 
you, we must nip this thing right S the bud, or we shall 
have a master before w^e know it. Don't you remember 
how he told us the other day about a dream he had, in 
which he said : While we were all binding wheat in the 
iield, his sheaf arose and stood upright, and all our 
sheaves bowed down to his ; and then, another dream 
he had, in which, not only ours but our father's and 
our mother's bowed down and made obeisance to his ? 
I tell you this thing has gone far enough, we can't trifle 
with it any longer. We must put that boy where he 
will dream no more. 

{Exit men. Father and hoy appear.) 

^Father.) My son, what brought you home so soon'^ 
I expected you to stay and help your brothers take 
care of the flocks. How is it you did not stay ? 

{Boy^ sadly.) Oh, my dear fatlier, they would not 
let me stay. They treated me roughly, said they did 
not want my help, and called me your petted sonny. 
They said I had better go home, for you would be wor- 



rying about me catching cold, or soiling my new coat. 
I begged them to let me stay, but they got angry and 
told me to leave. I don't know why they should treat 
me so. 

{Father.)'! think.my son, it is because of those queer 
dreams of yours, indicating that your parents and all 
your brothers should some day bow themselves down in 
obeisance to yoTi. rtiiiTsk it Vould have been better 
for you had you- never told your dreams ; and now, my 
son, say no more about it but cheer up; be a good bo} , 
and take some nice refreshments in thy hand and go 
up to thy brothers again :n the field, and say to them 
I sent you to inquire aitt^r their welfare and bring them 
these nice refreshments. I pray they may receive' you 
kindJj^, and that you may return to me again v/ith gpad 
news. {Exit father and son.) ' ..nn trki 

: {Boy goes to meet his 'brothers ) ,<.^ -ti,^ 

i (Brothers in conversation together on the stagi )? jr-f 
iSim.) Say, Lee, don't } oil think it ab(>nt time -far 
that young dreamer to be arouod here again? It is mm 
about a week since we sent him Hying home to ..the old 
man. . ^ 

. {Lee.) I don' t think you will see him back again sooii; 
but if he should venture to come, I think he will never 
see his doting old father's face ugHin. , 

{Jud.) Why Lee, what do you mean t)y >such ;talk,? 
You would not kill the poor boy, would you ? 

{Lee.) Well, if he ever dares to show his face. here 
•again, you will see whether he will be killed oi in.o.|. 
What do you think about it, Sim ? , ■ . v i 

(.Sim.) I think just as you do,that if he ever comes 
here again, he wiJl never go away alive. ; - 

(Dan.) That is jubt my opinion. If becomes here, 
we must see to it that he never goes away alive. We 
can slay him and cast him into some pit. Vf e can tell 
the old man that some wild beast had ^devoured hini. 
Then we shall see what will become oi his fail y dreams. 
(Rube.) Dear brothers, will you let me give you a few 
words of advice; as I am the eldest. I think you ought 
to listen to what I am going to say. I beg of you not 
to shed the blood of our little brother, he is young and 
thoughtless. What if he did dream, it is but a dream, 
and will amount to nothing, it is only a boy's whim. 
I hope he will never come here again \ but if he does, I 
beg ofyou lay no hand of violence upon him. Now I 
am going away, and if he should come during my ab- 
sence, put him into this pit till my return, I'll be back 
soon. {Rube leaves.) 

{Zef.) See there, I)an, I think he is coming now. 

(Oad.) That is him, I can tell him by that coat, I 

could swear to it if he was a mile off. Now, let us be 

ready, and just as soon as he comes near we will jerk 

that coat off him quicker than he ever put it on ; and 



we can chuck him into this pit till we can determine 
which is the best way to dispatch him, 

(Boy comes near holding up basTcet of refreshments.) 

{Boy.) Denr brothers, father sent me up with these 
nice refreshments and said I must come back quickly 
and tell him how you are getting along. See! they are 
very nice; it was heavy for me to bring so far, and I am 
very tired, but I don' t mind it, for I know you will 
enjoy them. ( They take the basket and set it aside, 
seize him roughly and. tear off his coat and drag him 
toward the pit.) 

{Boy cries out in agony.) Please don't hurt me, please 
don't, please don't. Oh! my poor father, Oh! my poor 
father! {Amid his pleading they thrust him into the pit.) 

{Brothers together.) Now for our lunch. (They take 
up the basket the boy brought^ spread its contents be- 
fore them, and begin to eat, talking over the boy'' s case.) 

{Ash.) Say boys, what do you think is the easiest 
and safest way to get rid of that young dreamer 1 

iLee.) I would pile stones upon him and fill up the 
pit, and no one would ever think of looking there 
for him. We can take his coat and dip it in the blood 
of a kid. take it to his father and say to him that some 
wild beast has torn him in pieces, and we only found 
his coat. I know it will almost kiU the old man, but 
we will pacify him in some way. 

{Jud.) Will you jast listen to me one minute ? What 
profit will it be to us if we slay our brother and conceal 
his blood? I pray you not to do this thing, let us not 
lay our hands upon hiiii to kill him, for he is our bro- 
ther and has done us no harm. Look! there come some 
traveler?, I think they are gypsies. Now, I will tell you 
what we can do. we can sell him to them and they will 
carry him to some foreign country, and we will not be 
guilty of murder. What dou say ? 

{Altogether.) Agreed, we will do it. 

[They draw the lad out of the pit, and await the ap- 
proach of the gypsies. As they draw near, Sim salutes 
them with, Hello ! where are you 1 u :.d ?] 

{Gypsies.) Roaming over the country to see what we 
can find to speculate upon. 

(Sim ) Don't you want to buy a boy ? Will sell him 
cheap. 

{Gypsies.) How cheap % 

(Sim.) You maj'' have him for 20 pieces of silver. 

{Gypsies.) We will take him. {Counts out the money 
and takes the boy along ) 

(Sim.) That was well done, that will settle the dream- 
ing business. Now we must kill the kid and dip the 
coat in its blood, carry it to the old man and tell him 
that is all there is left of his dear boy. I fear it will 
break his heart , but we must all speak kind words to 
him and try to console him all we can. 



[Rube return^? and asks, Has the boy been here, and 
they reply Yes, and he goes directly to the pit to look 
for his little brother. When he linds him gone he rends 
his clothes, and taniiiig to his brothers, cries out in 
great agoay, Oh! where is the child? Where is he? Tell 
me wliat you ha;ve done with him. Oh ! my dear bro- 
ther! Miy dear brother ! He is gone, he is gone I what 
shall I do ? whither shall I go! ( Wrings his hands and 
weeps aloud.) iEx'tt all.) 

[Father aad youngest son, Benjamin, on the stage. 
The sons come in ;ind the father rises to meet them, 
and says. Is it well with you, my sons \ and is the lad 
with you ?] 

{Sim.) No, my dear father, the boy is not with us,but 
here is a coat we found in the fields. Look and see if 
it is thy son's coat. 

{Father.) Oh, yes! Truly it is ray son's coat. Some 
evil beast has devoured hivn. Oh, m}^ dear boy ! my 
dear boy ! O would I had died for thee ! Oh, my boy; 
my poor boy ! {He weeps aloud:) 

[His sons and daughters gathei' around and try to 
console him, but he wavss them away and cries out in 
agony, Let me die and go to my dear boy!] {Curtain 
falls.) 

PART 2. 

{Oiirtain rises, shoioing gypsies, officer and hoy in 
Egypt.) 

{Officer.) Well what do you want for this boy? 

^Gypsies.) We must have forty pieces of silver. 

{Officer.) All right, (counts out money and says), Here 
is your cash. 

[Captain calls Daisy. Daisy is a colored girl. Here, 
Daisy, go tell your mistress [ wish to see her in my 
studio. Now, be quick.] 

{Daisy.) Yes, Massa, I goes right quick. 

[ W^ife enters. ] 

{Captain.) My dear Bertie, see what a beautiful 
present I have bought for you. I bought this bright 
little Hebrew boy purposely for you. Accept him and 
he shall be your slave. Set him to work at anything 
you please. 

{Bertie.) Thank you, captain. I think I shall be 
pleased with him. 

{Captain.) Now good by, I must hurry to my post 
of duty. I will be home at the usual hour. {Exit 
Captain.) 

{Mistress to hoy.) Now, my little fellow, what is 
your name ? 

{Boy.) My name is Josie. They call me the dream- 
er. 

{Mistress.) Very well, then — I v/ill call you Josie. 
Now, Josie, you know you are mine, and when you 



hear me call, or when I send for yon, you must come 
quick. You must do what you are told to do nicely 
and quickly. Now I will send you to the kitchen, 
and you can help our chief butler Toby. Here Daisy, 
go and tell Toby I want him. Be quick now. 

(Daisy.) Yes, Missus, I goes lively. (Toby enters, 
he is colored.) 

iTohy.) What is it, Missus ? 

^Mistress.) Here is a little Hebrew boy. I want you 
to take him into your department, and learn him how 
to manage household affairs. Do you hear what I say 1 

{Toby.) Yes, Misi^us. I'll do my bery best. {Exit 
all.) 

Kitchen Scene. 

{Toby in kitchen.) Now, my little man, you look 
like a right smart boj^ What is your name ? 

{Boy.) My name is Josie, but they call me the 
dreamer. 

{Toby.) All right. Now, Josie, you must help me 
about the kitchen, run out to the market, and make 
yourself generally useful. Do you know anything 
about cooking, my little fellow ? 

{Boy.) No. I am a shepherd boy, and used to at- 
tend my father's sheep. 

{Toby.) Very well, I think you will soon learn to be 
useful in the kitchen. You must watch me and see 
how I do everything about the house. You will soon 
learn to do it just as well as I can. {Exit.) 

[Bertie on stage.'] 

Captain returns and wi/e meets him with a Tciss. 

{Captain.) Well, Bertie, how do you get along with 
you little Hebrew protege ? 

{Wife.) Oh, I hardly know. I gave him to Toby 
and gave orders to put him through the routine of 
kitchen work. I have not heard from him since. 

{Captain.) Suppose we send for Toby and see what 
he has to say about him ? 

{Mistress.) Daisy, go down and tell Toby to come 
up to my studio. Now be quick. 

{Daisy.) Yes, Missus, I go right smart. 

[Toby enters.] 

{Captain.) Well, Toby, how do you get along with 
your new assistant, the young Hebrew \ 

{Toby.) Oh, first rate, Massa. He is a wonderful 
smart boy. Nebber hab to tell him to do a thing 
twice. You see he has not been with me but a little 
while, and he can market and ouy almost as good as I 
can. I tell you, massa, he is a wonderful boy. So 
trusty and honorable I believe you could trust him 
with all you have, and he would nebber steal a penny. 

{Captain.) I am glad to hear it, Toby. You can go. 
{Exit Toby.) 

Captain and wife converse together. 



Bertie. ) Well, Captain, what do you think of Toby's 
report ? 

{Captain.) I am not at all surprised, for I noticed 
the very first time I saw the little fellow there was 
something peculiar about him. He seemed to have 
such a frank, open honest face, that I took a fancy to 
. him, and 1 think I got a prize when I bought that lit- 
tle shepherd boy. I would not wonder if at some 
future time, not far distant either, he will be able to 
take entire charge of my household affairs ; it is just 
what I have wanted for a long time, some one that I 
could trust to take this burden off my shoulders. 
Dear Bertie, we will wait and see if I am not a true 
prophet. Now, good bye, I must be at my post. 
{Exit Captain.) 

Wife alone, talks to herself. 

Yes, I told my husband I had not seen him since he 
brought him here ; but I have seen him and have no- 
ticed what a marked change only a siiort time has 
made in him, not only in his activity and intellect, but 
more particularly in his personal appearance. He is 
really becoming charmingly beautiful, and every day 
seems to add new lustre to his charms, and if the cap- 
tain should take it into his head to give him full con- 
trol of our household, I don't know — I don't know — 
Oh, I dare not think of what might happen. 

{Exit wife) who soon returns and says : They say 
there has been some hard fighting with the King's 
forces, and my husband has been away so long it is 
possible he is dead. 

[Daisy enters and says : A letter, Missus. (She 
reads it and exclaims) : He will be here to-night. I 
will sit down and wait. (And soon captain enters). 
They embrace, and the captain says : Well, dear Ber- 
tie, how have you been since I have been away ? 

Bertie replies : Oh, 1 have been very lonely, you 
have been gone so long. What kept you %\ 

(Captain ) We have had some trouble with the 

King's enemies, and it has taken all this long time to 

.^_ quell the disturbance , but is over now, and I shall 

i\/(p^pcA. little time to rest, and as I mentioned to you before 

~ I left home, I am going to fix up my household affairs, 

and put them in charge of the young man Josie. You 

know he has been with us now about five years, and 

we have never seen the first thing wrong with him, and 

we never had such prosperity before he came with us, 

and it will take such a load of care off my shoulders. 

{Captain to servant girl.) Here, Daisy, where are 
you ? 

{Daisy.) I'se just here, massa. 

{Captain.) Run down and tell the young man Josie 
to come up to my room. Be quick now. 

{Daisy. Yes, massa, I goes awful quick. 



{Josie enters.) Did you send for me ! 

{Captain.) Yes, my man, I have a little matter of 
business to lay before you. You have now been with 
us about live years, and I have always found you a 
faithful servant. My butler tells me that for a number 
of years you have done all the important business of 
my household, and everything seems to prosper with 
you. Your prosperity is mine, and therefore, I have 
determined to place you in full charg-e over all my af- 
fairs. All in my house and fields is at your command, 
none will be greater than you, save my wife, whose 
counsel perhaps j'ou may stand in need of. Here is a 
new suit and my signet ring, which will be a guarantee 
for you in any business transactions you maywish to 
enter into for me. Now, try and be as faithful in the 
future as you have been in the past, and all will be 
well with you. 

{Josie.) My dear master, how can I find words to 
express my gratitude for the confidence that you have 
placed in me in elevating me to such a high and respon- 
sible position. I am aware of the fact that everything 
has been prosperous with me since you brought me 
here, but it is not to me to whom honor is due, but to 
the Lord God of heaven and earth, the God of my fa- 
ther^hom I serve, for he has been with me, and pros- 
pered me, and has promised to be with all who love 
and serve Him! His promises never fail. I will be 
ever faithful to the trust which you have confided to my 
keeping. {Exit Josie.) 

{Captain to icife.) IS^ow, Bertie. I feel relieved, for I 
believe that the young man will attend to my ousiness 
affairs better thaa I could myself. I can now devote 
my time more fully to the Idng's service, and to-mor- 
row I shall go on an expedition that may keep me from 
home for severa- weeks, and it may be months. In 
fact, I can't say when I might be home again; but you 
and the young man can manage with(Uit me until my 
return. {Exit Captain.) 

{Mistress calls.) Daisy, where are you i 

{Daisy.) Fse just here, missus, I'se just comin'. 

{Mistress.) That will do Go and tell the young- 
man Josie to come to my room. I wish to see him. 

[Daisy.) Yes'um. {Exit Daisy. Josie enters in neio 
suit.) 

{Mistress. ) Why, Josie, how splendid you do look 
in your new suit. You look like a prince, take a seat. 
Your master has gone on an expedition for the king 
and may be away for a long time, and we will have to 
manage the estate until his return. We can do it, can't 
we '. Now. I want 3*011 to c«)rae to my room every day 
and report to me. We will counsel together as to the 
best way to manage our affairs. 

{Josie.) Yery well. I will call to-morrow at 2 p. m. 
{Exit Josie.) 



8 

{Mistress alone.) What a splendid specimen of man- 
hood. Certainly there must be noble blood coursing 
through his veins. He is irresistible. What shall I 
do ? I es^ cannot end^ire this burning passion longer. 
I must win him, he mast be mine. Yes, and he shall 
be mine. I must have him, no matter at what cost, and 
to-morrow I will take my first step, and if he repulses 
me, woe be unto him! {Exit and soon returns, and 
says) 2 p. m., time he was here now. Yes, there is a 
knock. Come in. {Josle enters.) 

{Mistress.) Well, my dear Josie,you look very pleas- 
ant to-day. How have things prospered since we met 
yesterday ? 

ijosie.) Yery nicely. Everything has gone well with 
me. Is there any new order for me to-day ? 

{Mistress.) IdiOn't 'know. Don't be in a hurry. Sit 
down and we will talk things over and see what is to be 
done. {He taJces a seat.) Now, I want you to be social, 
and not be so shy of me. To be sure, I am your mis- 
tress, but what of that 1 Your master is absent, and if 
you are inclined to be social, we can have a good time 
together while he is away, and he will never be the 
wiser for it. There is no new business for to-day, but 
think over what I have said to you, and come again to- 
morrow at 2 p. m., and we will have a little social talk 
together. Grood bye until to morrow. Remember, at 2 
p. m. {Exit Josie ) 

{Mistress eilone — Talks to lierself.) How strange and 
indifferent he does act. He don't seem to appreciate 
his position at all. I can't seem to make any impression 
upon him. What can I do to win his love % I must 
try my very best to morrow. iExit.) 

{Mistress on stage, looks at watch.) 2 p. m. It is time 
he was here. Yes, I hear his footsteps coming. {He 
knocks.) 

{Mistress.) Come in, you are right on time. Is all 
well with you to-day ? 

{Josie.) Very well, indeed. Ev^erything is going along 
nicely, and I am going to tiy my best while my master 
is away. 

{Mistress.) O, don't be talking all the time about 
business. Sit down here by me and let us have a little 
]3leasant chat together. [Takes a seat.) Now, Josie, my 
dear, how would you like to have your liberty, have 
plenty of money and go traveling to some beautiful 
far off country and have an accomplished lady for a 
traveling companion ? Would not that be nice ? 

{Josie.) Perhaps it would, but it cannot be, for I am 
but a poor slave, and in a strange land. 

[Mistress.) It can be. and if you will but listen, I will 
tell yon how. Dear Josie, I cannot keep it from you 
any longer. I love you desperately, and if you will but 
consent to fly with me, we will take all the treasure 



9 

of my lord, the Captain, which are abundant, and fly 
to some beautiful far off land, where we can dwell in 
undisturbed happiness. Now, say you consent, and I 
shall be happy. 

iJosie ) You know my master has committed all his 
household to my care ; nothing has he kept from me, 
but thee, because thou art his wife. How then can I do 
this great sin against my master and against God ? It 
cannot be! I cannot consent to rob my master of his 
wife and treasure and thus sin against Grod. {He rises 
to leave.) 

{Mistress.) You shall not go! Stay with me I [She 
seizes him, and a struggle ensues, in which she tears off- 
a part of his coat ; she screams for help, while Josie 
runs out and some men rush in.] 

Mistress, holding up apiece of Ms coat.) See what 
that Hebrew has done ! He came in to insult me, and 
Avhen I screamed he fled and left this piece of his gar- 
ment, and here it is. 

{One of the men.) The Captain will be home to mor- 
row. Keep the piece and show it to him. It will be 
good evidence against him, and master will see that he 
is severely punished. 

{Mistress.) I will do it. You can go. {Exit men.) 

{Mistress alone, talks to herself.) I will show him 
that he cannot trifle with me. My love for him has 
turned to hatred. Revenge is sweet, and I will have 
it. I wish the Captain was here now. Daisy, Daisy, 
where are yon ? Come here quick. 

(Daisy.) Here I is, missus. I'se just comin'. 

{Mistiness., sharply.) Well, go down to the ofiice and 
see if the Secretary has heard anything from your 
master. 

{Daisy.) Yes, missus. I'se going right smart quick. 

{Mistress.) I wonder if he will be here to-night. — 

{Daisy returns.) Yes, missus, the^^ say he is almost 
just here no»v,and will be here just as soon as he comes. 

Mistress, sharply.) You stupid thing! What do you 
mean 'i I want to know if he will be here to night. " 

{Daisy.) Yes, missus, he's jus' most here and will be 
here to-night. They's jus' almost ready to receive him 
now. 

{Mistress. ) Very well, ran and watch for him, and 
and let me know when he arrives. 

{Daisy.) Yes, missus, I watch awful smart. [Exit 
Daisy, and soon returns and finds her mistress walking 
the floor.] 

{Daisy.) He's come, missus, and is jus' comin' up de 
stairs. 

Enter Captain, and rush together and kiss. 

{Bertie.) Oh, my dear husband, I have some terrible 
news to tell you. That Hebrew, Josie, whom you placed 
over your household when you left, came into my room 



10 

yesterday and insulted me, and when I screamed he 
fled, leaving this piece of garment with me, and I kept 
it to show you. 

Captain.) Is it possible! I could believe it only from 
your own lips. He shall suffer for this, the ungrateful 
wretch. Here, Daisy, go tell Toby I want him. 

{Enter Toby.) Did you send for me, master? 

{Oaptain.) Yes. Gfo tell the prison official to arrest 
Josie, the Hebrew, and bring him here to me. iExlt 
Toby.) {To wife.) Can it be possible that I have been 
so terribly deceived in this young man ? 

{Bertie.) Yes, my dear, you have been thus deceived. 
He is a wicked fellow, and deserves severe punishment. 

[Officer appears with Josie, and says. Here's your 
man, Captain. 

{Captain to Josie, sharply.) What do you mean ? 
What kind of conduct is rhis I hear of you since I have 
been absent? After my favoring you so highly in plac- 
ing you over my entire household, you have the audac- 
ity to insult ray wife. You ungrateful wretch, you de- 
serve to be hung ! 

{Josie.) Master, I am innocent. 

{Captain, cutting Mm s7iort.) Xot one word. Here 
is your garment and your mistress' word, and that is 
evidence enough for me. {To Officer.) A. way with him, 
strip him, and cast him into the dungeon. {Exit officer. 
Now, Bertie, can it be possible ttiat I have made such 
a great mistake in that young man s charactt?r? 

{Bertie.) It seems you have. I have always heard 
the Hebrews are very deceitful. {Exit Captain & wife. 
Curtain drops.) 

[Scene — Josie in the prison with the other prisoners. 
Keeper enters into conversation with Josie.] 

{Keeper.) Well, young man, I have been watching 
you closely since you have been here. I find that your 
behavior has been very good, and as you seem to be 
intelligent, I have concluded to place you over the oth- 
er prisoners. Your duty will be to look after them and 
see that tiiey are kept at work and properly cared for, 

[Josie.) Thank you for the confidence you place in 
me. 1 will be faithful to my trust. {Screen slides.) 

\_Scene-So^iQ in conversation with two prisoners.] 

{Josie,) Well, my comrads, what makes you look so 
sad, to-day ? 

{Prisoner.) We both dreamed a dream last night, 
and there is no one to interpret them for us. 

{Josie.) Do not interpretations belong to God ? Tell 
me your dream. 

{Prisoner.) In my dream behold a vine was before 
me, and in the vine were three branches, they budded 
and her blossom shot forth, and the clusters thereof 
brought forth ripe grapes. The king's cup was in my 
hand, and I took the grapes and. pressed them into the 
king" s cup and gave the cup into the king' s hand. 



11 

{Joseph.) Lucky man! This is the interpretation 
thereof. The three branches are three days, and with- 
in three days the king shall lift up thine head and re- 
store thee unto thy place, and thou shalt serve the king 
as in former times ; but remember me when it is well 
with thee, and make mention of me to the king, and 
bring me out of this place, for indeed I was taken away 
out of the land of the Hebrews, and here also have I 
done nothing, that they should pat me into this dun- 
geon. {To the other prisoner.) Well, comrade, what is 
thy dream ? 

{Prisoner.) I dreamed I had three white baskets on 
my head, and in the uppermost basket there were all 
manner of rare meats for the king, and the birds did 
eat them out of the basket. 

{Joseph.) Unfortunate man ! This is the interpreta- 
tion thereof : The three baskets are three days, yet 
within three days shall the king lift up thy head from 
off thee, and shall hang thee on a tree and the birds 
shall eat thy flesh from off thee. {Screen slides.) 

PART 3. 

'iSceiie — King on th^ stage with his officers, princes 
and valets.] 

{King to officers standing around^ him.)! have dream- 
ed two dreams, and they trouble me very much. Now, 
go and bring in the magicians and wise men that they 
may interpret my dreams. [He talks with his court 
while the officers are out.] 

{Officers bring imoise 'men.) Your counselors, O king. 

\King) I have sent for you on very important business, 
I have dreamed two dreams ! Behold, I stood upon 
the bank of the river and there came up out of the 
river seven fat kine, and fed in the meadow. I looked 
again, and behold seven other lean and ill favored kine 
came up out of the river, and they fed upon the fat 
kine and did eat them up. I dreamed again, and be- 
hold seven large beautiful ears of corn grew on one 
stalk, then seven thin ears stood beside them, and the 
thin ears devoured the full ears. Now, can you inter- 
pret my dreams and tell me the meaning thereof ? 

[Wise men step aside and consult together and then 
say, king, may it not displease thee, for we cannot 
interpret thy dreams, they are mysterious, and beyond 
the power oi* man to solve.] 

{King, in anger.) Begone out of my sight, ye vile 
hypocrits I {Exit wise men.) 

{King.) Is there not a man in all my kingdom who 
can interpret my dreams ? 

{Chief Butler.) May it please thee, O king, let me 
speak. I do this day remember my faults. Thou dost 
remember that a long time ago thou wast angry with 
thy servant and the Ibaker, and did cast us into prison. 



12 

While there we both dreamed a dream and were very 
much troubled on their account. There was with us in 
the prison a young man, a Hebrew, and we told him 
of our dreams and he did interpret them for us. He 
restored me to my place and the baker he hanged on a 
tree. Tnou, O king, knowest that it was even so done 
to us. 

{King^ to one of his ojjicers.) Gfo and tell the captain 
of the guard to bring the young man before me forth- 
with. (Exit officer. ) 

{King.) Perhaps this young Hebrew may have greater 
wisdom than these wise hypocrits that have just left 
my court. I hope so. 

[Captain brings Joseph before the king.] 

iCaptain.) The young Hebrew, your majesty. 

{King.) addresses Joseph.) Young man,l have a very 
important matter to lay before you. 1 have dreamed a 
dream, and there is none in all Qiy kingdom who can 
interpret it for me. I liave heard say of thee that thou 
canst understand a dream to interpret it. 

(Joseph.) Il is not in me, king, but God shall give 
thee an answer of peace. Tell me thy dreams. 
[King repeats his dreams, j 

{Joseph.) Thy dreams, O king, are one, and God has 
shown the king what he is about to do. The seven good 
kiiie and the seven good ears of corn are seven years of 
plenty, and the seven lean kine and the seven ears of 
blasted corn are seven years of lamine, and it shall be 
very grievous tiiroughoat all thy domain. IVow, there- 
fore, let the king looli out a man discreet and wise, and 
set him over all the king s provinces, let him appoint 
officers over the land, gatiier all the surplus wheat, corn 
and all kinds of produce during the seven years of 
plenty and store it in the king's store-houses, that wlien 
the famine come^ the people may live and the king's 
dominions not suifer. 

{King, to his Court.) Can we lind such a man as this 
(Folnting to Joseph)-''^, man in whom the spirit of God 
is^ For as much as God hath shown thee all this, there 
is none so discreet and wise as thou art. Therefore, 
tnou Shalt be over ail my dominion, and according to 
tny word shall all my people be ruled, only on the 
tnrone vv^iil I be greater tnan thou. tSee, 1 nave set thee 
over all my realm, i'his ring is your authority. [King 
takes ring and puts it on Josepn's linger and places a 
gold chain around his neck, orders the royal robe for 
mm and escort to go before him, and says. All shall 
bow the knee before chee, for I am king, and without 
thee siiall no man lift up his hand or his foot in all my 
kingdom. Thy name shall no longer be called Joseph, 
but Zapnath Paaneah, and if it is agreeable to thee 
thoumayst have the beautiful and accomplished daugh- 
ter of Potipnar the priest to be thy wife. 



13 

{Joseph.) king, live forever ! With sincere grati- 
tude I accept your kind offer, and if it please thee, now 
may Potiphar and his daughter be brought in at once, 
that we may inquire if it is agreeable to them also. 

{King.) The advice is good. Officer, bring in Poti- 
phar and his daughter forthwith. My nobles, make 
everything ready to receive the guests. {Officer enters 
loith father and daughter.) 

{Officer.) Your majesty's command is obeyed. 

{King.) My most worthy Potiphar, if it please thee, 
let thy daughter be given to this my noble friend and 
benefactor whom I have placed over my vast domain, 
to be his wife. With my approbation wilt thou freely 
give her to him ? 

{Potiphar, to daughter.) Art thou willing, my child, 
that our king should present you to this his dearest 
friend, to be his wife ? 

{Daughter.) Dear father, I am perfectly willing that 
thou and our king should do with me as seemeth good 
unto you. 

(Photphar to the Jang.) O king, take my daughter 
and present her unto your friend. 

{King, to Joseph.) My most noble friend, with the 
greatest of pleasure I now present this most accom- 
plished and beautiful lady to be your wife. Take her, 
and may she be a solace and comfort to you all your 
days. {Curtain drops.) 

[Captain and wife on the stage.] 

{Captain.) My dear Bertie, have you heard the news? 

{Bertie.) No. What is it, my dear \ 

{Captain.) You remember the king sent me in great 

haste for the young Hebrew. Josie, and what do you 

think he has done ? He has made him ruler over his 

whole empire, and has given everything into his hands. 

[Wife faints!] 

{Captain.) Why, what is the matter, my dear ? Speak 
and tell me! Speak, I pray you, and tell me what it is! 
Are you sick ? Tell me quick ! 

{Wife, revines.) Oh, I dare not tell you ! It is terri- 
ble ! I deserve to die ! What shall I do ? 

{Captain.) Tell me all, my dear. Don't hesitate ! — 
What is it that troubles you ? 

( Wife.) Oh ! I have been terribly wicked. Will you 
forgive me ? Can you forgive ? 

{Captain.) Why,"^ certainly I will. Tell me all. What 
is it 'I 

{Wife.) You remember two years ago I told you that 
the young Hebrew had insulted me in my room, and vou 
was angry with him and cast him into prison. . 

Captain.) Yes, I do remember it well, and I presume 
he deserved it. 

{Wife.) Oh, no, he did not, for he was innocent. I 
am the guilty one ! Oh ! I deserve to die, for I deceived 
you! It was all false ! Can you forgive me ? 



14 

{Captainj Is it possible that I have been so deceived, 
and have punished an innocent man 1 Well, Bertie, I 
will forgive you ; but what are we to do ? That man 
has it in his power to punish us, and even to take our 
lives, should he feel so disposed. I don't know of 
but one thing we can do, and that is to go and bow our- 
selves before him and confess aP, and implore his for- 
giveness. Peradventure he may have mercy on us and 
pardon us. Let us do it before it is too late. 

{Bertie.) Oh ! How can I see his face 'I How I have 
wronged him, will he forgive me I 

{Captain ) We must go ani cast ourselves at his feet, 
and if we die, it is but just. Let us go at once. {Exit, 
curtain drops.) 

[/S'ce?z6— Joseph, the Governor and his staff on the 
stage. Captain and his wife rush in and fall upon their 
knees before liira.] 

{Governor.) What is this, who art thou ? Arise and 
make thy petition known. {Tfiey arise.) 

{Oovernor.) Is it possible, my old master and mistress. 
Why, what brings you here prostrate before me 1 

{Ca'ptain.) We have come oefore thee to confess our 
faults and implore forgiveness. Oh, how terribly we 
have wronged you, My wife has told me all. 

{Bertie., kneels.) Oh, yes, judgment has come upon 
me. My sins have found me out. Have mercy upon 
me and spare me. It is all my fault. My husband is 
blameless. 0, spare us ! and we will be thy servants 
forever. 

{Governor.) O, woman ! thou hast been very wicked 
and most cruel in causing me to suffer two long years 
in prison, but I trust you have seen your folly and re- 
pented it. iN^ow, I will grant your pardon. Go, and be 
faithful to your husband, and sin. no more. And you, 
my former master,! know you to be innocent, for I knew 
from the beginning you were not aware of the facts 
in the case, therefore 1 permit you to hold your posi- 
tion as Capt;dn of the King's Guard. Go, and ever be 
faithful to your trust and all will be well with you. 
{Exit captain and loife.) Now, my men, we have work 
to do, let us be off at oncfi. {Tkey leave.) 

Daisy Enters.) Oh, gorry, how scared I was ! I can 
hardly get my bref now ! I must been pale as a ghost, 
for my master say, may be de new Governor will kill 
'em both cause dey put him in prison when he was der 
slave, and I was jus' harken all de time when de Gover- 
nor was talkiii' to 'em, and I jus' hold my bref all de 
time till I hear him say he forgive 'em, den I jus' 
jumped right up so high and was jus' good mind to run 
right up and kiss him, I was so glad ! O, didn't he look 
nice ! Jus' think when he lirst came here he was a 
little Hebrew shepherd boy, but he say the Lord he 
help him, and I guess he do, and make him such a great 
good man. I'se goin' to be good too. {Curtain drops.) 



15 

\_8cene — Governor and his men.] 

i.OoTiernor .) Well, my men, how you progressing, are 
the king' s storehouses full ? Are you prepared for the 
famine I You remember this is the year for it to com- 
mence. 

iOne of tlie men.) Yes, my lord, we are all full ; and 
the famine has already commenced in our neighboring 
countries on the north. I should not wonder if they 
came to us for food before long. 

iGomrnor. Well, if any of those foreign neighbors 
come to buy food, bring them to me. 

One of the men.) We will do so. (Exit all. Curtain 
drops. 

{Scene — Jacob and his sons.] 

iJacob.) My sons, the famine is bearing hard upon us, 
and I have heard they have plenty of corn in Egypt ; 
take therefore money in your hand and go down and 
buy for us that we may live and not die. Benjamin 
will stay at home with me, lest peradventure some mis- 
hap might befall him. iExit all.) 

[Grovernor appears on stage. Officers come in and 
say, Here are some foreigners, and thej^ come to buy 
corn.] 

iGo'oernor.) Admit them. {They step in and how 
down before him on their faces). 

iOovernor.) Arise and make known your business. 

{Rube.) We are ten sons of one man of the land of 
Cananan and we have come to buy corn. 

{Go'Gernor, eying them sharply.) I think you are a 
set of spies only come to spy out the land. 

{Rube.) My Lord, we are no spies but we are twelve 
brethren of one man and behold our youngest brother 
is this day with our father at home, and one is not. 
We are true men and not spies. 

{Governor, sharply.) I don't believe you. Officer, 
put them in prison, and bring them before me to-mor- 
row. {Exit all.) 

[Enter Gfovernor, followed by officers.] 

{Governor.) Bring in those foreigners that I may make 
further inquiry into their business. {Officer exit and 
returns with men.) 

{Governor to men.) I have determined to test your 
lionesty. Now, if you be true men let one of you be 
bound in prison and go ye and carry food to your 
fatlier,but come again and bring your youngest brother 
with you and thus prove your honesty. Remember 
the boy must be with you or you cannot see my face. 

{Rube.) We will do as thou hast said. 

^Governor.) Very well. Officer, bind one of them. 
{Officer binds one of them and puts him into prison.) 

{Brothers counsel and talk together. ) We are verily 
guilty concerning our brother, when we saw the an- 
guish oi his soul, when he begged u.^ to spare him. 



16 

(Rube.) Did I not tell you to lay no hand of vio- 
lence upon the boy, but you would not hear me, there- 
fore, his blood is required at our hands. Oh, this is 
terrible? 

[Governor and officer returns and Governor beckons 
officer to take them away,] {Exit officer with men.) 

[Governor turns and weeps, and says, Oh, my breth- 
ren, how my boyish dreams have come to pass this day, 
yet thou knowest it not. How those childhood days 
flash upon my memory. O that I could once more look 
upon the face of my poor old father ! It is all like a 
dream. {Officer returns.) 

{Governor to officer.) Fill those men's sacks with 
corn, and put every man's money in the mouth of his 
sack and send them away. {Exit all. Curtain drops.) 
[Scene — Men at home opening sacks.] 

{Rube.) See here, boys, what does this mean ? Here 
is my money in the mouth of my sack. 

{All together.) And so is mine, and mine. 

{Jude.) There is a mystery about this. God is cer- 
tainly bringing trouble upon us because of the cruelty 
done to our young brother. 

[Father appears on stage.] 

{Father.) Well, my sons, I am glad you have safely 
returned, but where is your brother Simeon ? 

{Rube.) Dear father, when we came to the ruler of the 
land he treated us roughly, and called us spies, and put 
us into prison. When we told him we were no spies, 
but true men, and all the sons of one man and our 
youngest brother was at home with you and one was 
not, he would not believe us, but said we must leave 
Simeon in prison, and hasten home with our food, and 
come again and bring our brother Benjamin with us, 
and then he would release Simeon. We don' t under- 
stand it, there is something wrong, for here we lind all 
of our money in the mouths of our sacks. 

{Father., in agony.) All is against me. Ye have be- 
reaved me of my children. Joseph is not, Simeon is 
not, and now ye will take away Benjamin. He cannot 
go down with 3'ou, for his brother is dead and he is left 
alone, and if mischief befalls him, then shall ye bring 
down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave. 

{Jude.) We must go immediately and return the 
money. My dear father, our brother must go down 
with us, or we cannot see the Governor's face, for he 
told us so. Now let him go, and t will be surety for 
him, and bring him back safely to you again. 

{Father.) Must I indeed give up my dear boy. If it 
must be so, take him, and take more money to buy 
more corn, also the money which ye found in your 
sacks, and may God give you mercy in the man's eyes, 
that he may treat you kindly and let you return to me 
in safety. {Exit all. Curtain drops.) 



17 

[Governor on stage.] 

iOfficer.) My lord, those men who were here some time 
ago to buy corn, have returned again and brought their 
young brother with them, according to your request. 
What shall I do with them ? 

(Governor.) Take them to my house and stay and 
make ready, for they must dine with me at noon. (JExit 
officer.) otjii 

[Men appear on stage. Officer brings Simeon to them 
and says, Here is your brother restored to you again. 
Now come with me.] 

{Jude, speaks to the officer.) You made a mistake 
when we were here before, for we found all our pur- 
chase money in our sacks, and here it is, we brought it 
to you again, and also money to buy more corn. Be 
not angry with us, we know not who put the money in 
our sacks. 

iOfficer.) Peace be unto you ! Be not grieved, for the 
Grod of your father hath put the money into your sacks. 
Come along. {Exit all. Curtain drops.) 
{Scene — Governor at home, table spread, officer enters.] 

Officer^ Shall I bring them in ? 

iOoTiernor. ) Yes, bring them in. 

[Officer shows them in. They appear and bow to the 
floor before the Governor, with presents in their hands.] 

{Rube.) My lord, thy servants have done according 
to thy commands. We come again to buy more corn, 
and have also brought our youngest brother with us, 
and a few choice fruits of our land as a token of our 
friendship and kind regard for thee. 

[Governor receives the presents and replies, I accept 
these tokens of friendship from your hands, and may 
they be tokens of true friendship between us. You are 
looking well to day. Is your father well —the old man 
of whom you spake — is he yet alive '{ 

iRube.) Thy servant, our father, is in good health. 

{Governor., pointing to Benjamin.) And is this your 
younger brother, of whom you spake. God be gracious 
unto thee, my son. {Governor turns aside and weeps.) 

{Men together.) How strange he acts. 

[Governor returns and commands to prepare meal, 
and commands them to sit down. They eat and drink 
and have a merry time together.] 

{Governor to men.) You may retire. {Exit men.) 

[Then Governor conjmands officer and says, Fill the 
men's sacks with corn and put every man's money in 
his sack again, the same as before, and put my silver 
cap in the sack's mouth of the youngest, and send 
them away at early dawn.] {Exit Governor.) 

[Officer calls men in, gives them their sacks and sends 
them away. Governor returns and says to officer, Have 
you sent the men away ?] 

{Officer.) Yes, my lord. 

{Governor to officer.) Make haste, overtake and arrest 



18 

them and say unto them. You have done wickedly and 
rewarded evil for good, and have stolen the Governor's 
silver cup. {Exit both.) 

[Side Scene — Officer apeears, hails men and says, 
What is this thou hast done ? Ye have returned evil 
for good, and have stolen my lord the Governor's sil- 
ver cup.] 

KJude.) Why speakest thou these words, God forbid 
thy servants should do such a thing ! We returned the 
money we found in our sacks, and then how should we 
steal silver or gold out of thy lord's house. With 
whomsoever of thy servants it be found let him die, 
and we will all be thy bondmen. 

(Officer.) Let it be according to thy word, and search- 
es their sacks and finds it in Benjamin's. 

'^Officer to men.) Here it is, you must return with me 
to the Governor. {Exit all.) 

[Governor on stage. Officer brings in men before him, 
and they fall on their faces.] 

{Governor, sharply.) Arise and stand upon your feet. 
What deed is this ye have done, know ye not that such 
a man as I can divine ? 

iJude.) What shall I say unto my lord, what shall 
we speak or how shaU we clear ourselves. God hath 
found out thy servants. We are thy bondmen. Both 
we and he also with whom the cup is found. 

kOoGernor.) God forbid that I should do so, but the 
man in whose hand the cup was fonnd shall be my ser- 
vant, and as for you, get you up in peace unto your 
father. 

Wude.) Oh, my lord, let thy servant I pray thee 
speak a word in my lord' s ears and be not angry with 
us, for thou art even as the king. My lord asked us, 
have you a father, and we said we have a father, an old 
man and a little brother the child of his old age, and 
his brother is dead, and he alone is left to his father 
and his father loveth him, and thou didst command us 
to bring him down to thee. When we said to our father 
the lad must go down with us he said, no, lest some 
mishap befall him on the way and you bring down my 
gray hairs wi th sorrow to the grave. But we said he 
must surely go down with us, for the man said except 
ye bring him down we cannot see his face, and I said 
I will be surety for the lad, and if I bring him 
not back with me again my life shall be the forfeit. 
Now I pray thee let thy servant abide with thee instead 
of the lad, a bondman unto my lord, and let the lad 
go up with his brothers to his father, for how could I 
go up to my father and the lad not be with me, lest per- 
ad venture I see the evil that should come on my poor 
old father. 

[Governor, in great agony says, Let every one but 
these {pointing to his br other s.)lea.ye the room.] {Exit 
all but his brothers.) 



19 

[Governor, weeps aloud and says, Don' t you know 
me, I am your brother Joseph, the little shepherd boy 
ye sold to the Gypsies. Doth my my father yet live ? 
Come near me I pray you, I am your brother Joseph, 
whom ye sold to the*^ gypsies. Now, don't look so 
sad or be angry with yourselves that ye sold me, for 
God did send me before you to preserve your lives, for 
there yet live years of famine to come, and God sent 
me here to preserve your lives, for He has made me 
ruler over all the king' s dominions. Now make haste 
and go up to yonr and say unto him. Thus saith thy 
son Joseph, God hath made me ruler over all the land 
of Egypt. Come down unto me and tarry not, and 
thou with all thy household shall dwell in the land of 
Goshen. There will I nourish thee. Behold, your eyes 
see that it is my mouth that speaks unto you. Tell my 
father of all my glory in Egypt, and all that ye have 
seen, and make haste and bring him down hither. [Gov. 
ernor embraces Benjamin and then embraces them all, 
and they depart. {Exit men.) 

[Governor orders officers to load them with corn and 
sends them away. {Exit all.) 

PART 4. 

[^Scene — Father upon stage alone, sons enter and Jude 
says, Dear father, we are all safely home again, and 
bring good news to you. Joseph, our brother, is alive, 
and is Governor over all the land of Egypt.] 

{Father.) My dear sons, don't tride Avith me, for he 
has been dead these many years ! Didst thou not tell 
me that some evil beast had torn him to pieces, and did 
you not bring his bloody coat to me in proof of what 
you said 'i How then can he still live \ 

{Levi.) My dear father, let me explain to you. We, 
thy sons, have been very wicked —we deceived you. 
Our little brother was not torn to pieces by beasts, but 
we plotted against him, and sold him to a band of gyp- 
sies ; they took him down to Egypt and sold him to 
one of the king's officers. In the course of time the 
king dreamed a dream, and Joseph interpreted tjie 
dream, and it so pleased the king that he made him 
ruler over all his land. He is now even as the king in 
power and glory. 

{Father.) Is it true you have so deceived me ! Is it 
true that my dear boy, Joseph, still lives ! Shall I see 
his face once more before I die ! 

{Jude.) It is even true, my dear father. See here what 
costly presents he has sent you, and told us to make 
haste to bring you down to him. 

{Father.) Oh, those dreams ! Don't you remember 
the boy's dreams ! How truly they have all come to 
pass ! It must all be true. I will go down and see him 
before I die. {Exit all. Curtain drops.) 



20 

l^Scene — Captain and wife on stage. Enter Daisy and 
hands captain a letter. He opens it and reads aloud.] 

King's Palace, 3 P. M. 
To M. Potipliar, Captain of the King's Guard : 

Sii^ — You will be in attendance with your household 
and military staff at the Governor's residence to-mor- 
row at 2 P. M. to receive the Governor s father and 
household, who are to arrive here from the land of 
Canaan at that hour. By order of King Pharoah. 

{Bertie.) My dear husband, what does this mean? 

Captain.) Mean ? Why, it means just what it reads, 
that we are invited to be present at the great reception 
the king is going to give the Governor's father and fam- 
ily. He thinks the world of our Governor, and well he 
may, for he is the most wonderful man that ever lived. 
He has won the hearts of all the people by his great 
wisdom and kindness. You know he always renders 
good for evil. 

{Daisy.) Dat's so massa, him good all de time, him 
neber was bad. Jus' tink how he spared you and 
missus. 

{Captain.) Never mind, Daisy, you can go along with 
your mistress and see him again. 

{Daisy.) O, I'se so glad I can go, Gorry, aint I hap- 
py, {and dances about.) {Exit Daisy.) 

{Captain.) Well, Bertie, I must now be looking after 
our forces, and you tell the Superintendent to have ev- 
er^' thing in readiness and meet me at the Governor's 
mansion at the appointed hour. Good bye. {Exit all. 
Curtain drops.) 

[Scene — King Phroah, Governor, Nobles and Offiers. 
Ot^-cer enters and announces the arrival of the guests. 
King orders them to be brought in. Joseph rushes to 
his father, embraces him and cries out, O ! my father !] 

{Father ) O ! my son ! Is this my dear boy, Joseph, 
who was dead and is alive ? Is it a dream, or is it true? 

{Josepli.) It is all true, my dear father. This indeed 
is your son Joseph. 

[Father.) Now let me die in peace since I have seen 
thy face, because thou art yet alive. 

{.Joseph ) No my dear father, you must not die ! but 
live long to enjoy the comforts I may be able to afford 
you. {He turns to the Icing., and says) Your majesty, 
it is with great pleasure I present to you my father. 

{King.) Welcome, venerable father, I am most happy 
to meet you on this grand occasion of the reunion of 
father and son. Long may you both live in the enjoy- 
ment of each other's society. 

{Father.) Your majesty has truly said this is a happy 
day to me and mine. A day I had never expected to 
see", and I learn has been all brought about by thy good- 
ness to this my son. Long may the king live in un- 
disturbed peace and happiness. 



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